Conversely, higher indoor humidity levels can cause frizzy or flat hair and even exacerbate allergic reactions. This can also lead to a growth of mold and fungus, further fueling allergies and even respiratory issues. Adequate ventilation and devices that purify air and maintain ideal indoor humidity may help.
4. Noisy environment or electromagnetic fields
Exposure to a consistently noisy environment can also trigger sick building syndrome. Symptoms like sleep disorders, concentration issues, excessive fatigue and chronic headaches, hearing loss, and even cardiovascular issues have been attributed to exposure to noise.
If you cannot change your home or work environment, noise-cancelling headphones may be a short-term solution. Electromagnetic fields may also play a part in adding to the sick building syndrome in people, although studies are underway to understand how much EMF is worrisome.
5.
Exposure to harmful chemicals, allergens or contaminants
In an indoor environment, you may be exposed to harsh chemicals, like cleaning materials, pesticides, and even fumes from chemicals used in paint, furniture, and flooring. This may lead to a multitude of symptoms, mostly related to the respiratory tract. Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or developing a chronic cough are some symptoms.
Increased asthma attacks may be possible in people with the disease, and there have been cases of people developing a hoarseness of voice as well as a result of chemical exposure. Using gentler and more organic cleaners and pesticides may help, but the first need is to identify the trigger chemicals causing the symptoms.
6.
Poor lighting or exposure to harsh lights
In fact, experts say bright light affects your circadian rhythms. Poor or harsh artificial lighting can create sick building syndrome in people, with symptoms like sore and overstrained eyes, headaches, poor concentration, and even increased levels of fatigue and anxiety due to sleeping issues. All of these may lead to an increased risk in accidents, as well as poor productivity as well.
Ensuring plenty of daylight and using the latest fixtures, as well as planning the lighting right, can save you from all the symptoms that come from poor lighting.
7. Indoor pollutants and unclean environment
Most of our homes and offices have massive air conditioning or radiator units, powering up the thermostats to make the environment as cool or hot as is needed to counter the outside weather.
However, if these machines are not serviced regularly or kept clean, they can let outdoor pollution in, increasing the risk of chronic colds, coughs, and respiratory conditions. Rat or bird droppings can also pose a risk, as can other pollutants like dust, insect droppings, and chemical contaminants. Adequate servicing and maintenance can take care of this problem.
Sick building syndrome is a bit tough to identify, given that it presents with a whole range of symptoms and causes. While there may be ways to make your home, or workplace healthier, if the symptoms persist, it may be time to move. On the opposing spectrum, here are tips for work-at-home parents to be their healthiest best.
Source: Brightside
